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Indiana Dunes
Indiana Dunes
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Close
Search
Indiana Dunes
Indiana Dunes
Explore the DunesExplore the Dunes
Explore the Dunes Dunes 101Getting HereIndiana Dunes National ParkIndiana Dunes State ParkOutdoor Adventures 9Outdoor AdventuresVisitor Center
Things to DoThings to Do
Things to Do Arts & EntertainmentAttractions & RecreationOur CommunitiesPet Friendly: Dog at the DunesPet FriendlyShoppingVolunteerWinter Activities
Eat & DrinkEvents
Places to StayPlaces to Stay
Places to Stay Bed & BreakfastsHotels & InnsRVs & CampgroundsVacation HomesVacation Homes
Outdoor Adventures 1 Header Item 1
Indiana DunesExplore the DunesOutdoor Adventures

Outdoor Adventures & Beaches

Shaped by nature, made for adventure. In the Indiana Dunes, it’s all about fun times and tan lines—from nine Lake Michigan beaches. It’s 15 beautiful miles of award-winning shoreline on top of a biodiverse collection of woodland wilderness, county, state, and national parks, bike trails, and three of the world’s biggest sand dunes. So get out there and get to know outdoor adventure the Indiana Dunes way: by foot, paddle, and pedal.

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Beaches

With 15 miles of award-winning shoreline to explore, nine oh-so-swimmable beaches, and many towering dunes, you’ll be enchanted by the magic of the Indiana Dunes.

Bicycling

Some things stick with us forever, just like riding a bike. Unforgettable vacation memories spent cruising miles of paved trail, off-road adventures, and rails to trails journeys are just to name a few.

Birding

We’ve been described as “for the birds,” and no, that isn’t an insult. The Indiana Dunes is a birders paradise. After all, where else can you see more than 350 native and migratory bird species in one place?

Fishing

Fishing season? Try fishing seasons. With this many inland lakes, creeks, miles of shoreline, and deep waters, we’re hooked on the sport all year round.

Hiking

Need a reason to get outside? We’ve got 15,000 of ‘em. That’s 15,000 acres of unspoiled wilderness to walk, climb, and hike through along old-growth forest floors, centuries-old paths, and starkly beautiful wetlands.

Paddling

Our recipe for the perfect day? Just add water. Luckily, around here there’s no shortage of lakes, creeks, and waterways to satisfy your inner aquaphile. Take it from us, it’s the best way to get to know the area.

Wandering

Take the time to wander and let your senses take in the sights, sounds, and smells of the Indiana Dunes. Explore gardens, parks, and other natural areas with serene settings.

The 3 Dune Challenge

Challenge friends, family, and yourself to an epic climb up the three tallest sand dunes at Indiana Dunes State Park. It’s 1.5 miles of tough trail with 552 vertical feet that’s 100 percent brag-worthy.

Diana of the Dunes Dare

In honor of the daring and free spirit of Alice Mabel Gray, also know as Diana, a nearby sand hill has been named “Diana’s Dune.” You can now hike in Alice’s footsteps and explore the natural wonders of her beloved Dunes terrain.

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Indiana Dunes Visitor Center

Want to create a personalized tour of the Indiana Dunes area? Stop by the Visitor Center where our front desk destination concierges will help you…

1215 N. State Road 49, Porter

Featured

Alyea Park

Playground equipment, tennis courts, basketball courts, and picnic shelters available.

Church St. and Adams St., Hebron

Ambler Flatwoods Nature Preserve

Search these large woods for small things. More than 40 rare Indiana plants are contained within the dense trees—salamanders hide under logs,…

8364 Meer Rd., Michigan City

American Discovery Trail

Part of the national trail system, the regionwide route links a number of trails including the Pennsy Greenway and Veterans Memorial Trail in Lake…

Munster to La Porte, Munster

Aukiki Wetland Conservation Area

This 650-acre parcel conserves a mix of wetlands, black oak barrens, and sand prairie, offering wildlife viewing, hiking, and hunting. Aukiki is part…

State Rd. 49, Wheatfield

Bailly Homestead and Chellberg Farm

These two historic sites sit nearly side-by-side. Bailly Homestead is named for Joseph Bailly, the first known non-native region resident, who set up…

618 N. Mineral Springs Rd., Porter

Barker Woods

Tucked away in Michigan City, in plain sight, is a 30-acre nature preserve. Barker Woods, a Shirley Heinze Land Trust property, is a rare gem in an…

444 Barker Rd., Michigan City

Bass Pro Shops

This 130,000 square-foot store has everything for outdoor enthusiasts, including boats, fishing gear, and hunting equipment. There is also a giant…

6425 Daniel Burnham Dr., Portage

Beverly Shores Project Area

Park at Lake View Picnic Area to bird the open water and beach. Bike or bird from your vehicle along the west end of Beverly Drive. This area…

500 S. Broadway Ave., Beverly Shores

Bicentennial Park

Bicentennial Park is tucked-away park with two unlit Babe Ruth softball fields, bleachers, parking, restrooms, recreational tennis court, playground,…

175 Burlington Beach Rd., Valparaiso

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Tales from the Dunes

The Indiana Dunes Blog

Did you know the Indiana Dunes has a 15-mile coastline with sandy beaches, more than 70 miles of hiking trails and more than 350 species of birds? Explore the latest and greatest tales from the dunes.

 

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Paul Osborn’s Outdoor Adventure

Paul Osborn explores some of the Indiana Dunes’ outdoor adventures.

Quincy Koetz’s Cycling Adventure

Quincy Koetz enjoys biking through the Indiana Dunes during his outdoor adventure.

Beaches

Dunes 101: How to Stay Safe in the Dunes

Check out these safety tips and guidelines about how to be a responsible visitor when enjoying the Indiana Dunes.

Pet Friendly Dunes

We believe lakeside fun shouldn’t just be reserved for the two-legged kind. Here, you and your furry friend will find plenty of sites, attractions, and accommodations.

Backpacks for Naturalists

The Indiana Dunes is one of the most biodiverse parks in the U.S., and the Backpacks for Naturalists program offers free explorer backpacks for daily use. Each backpack contains binoculars, field guides, activity ideas, and other useful items for your adventure.

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More Things to See & Do

Beaches

Online Gift Shop
A woman and her dog sitting on the beach

Pet Friendly
Outdoor Theatre performance

Arts & Entertainment
Volunteer Drop-In Program 6

Volunteer Drop-In
Outdoor Adventures 3

Outdoor Adventures
A woman shopping at an outdoor festival

Dunes Deals

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Bed & Breakfasts

Feel like family with intimate accommodations that range from nature-inspired retreats in the woods to award-winning romantic getaways surrounded by gardens.

Hotels & Inns

A convenient stay located near downtown? What about a country retreat heaped in Old World charm? Or a place you can bring your four-legged friend? Your unique getaway deserves a distinct accommodation.